Here’s the first Boys Soccer Rankings of the Season.

Here a South Hills defender tries to take down a Cal-Hi striker. The Condors have had a strong start to the season but are they the area’s best team?

1. La Habra (13-1-1)
Preseason Ranking: 1

Wow. Coach Steve Aanderud said the returning champs would be strong this year but I’m not even sure he expected this.

2. California (5-1-3)
Preseason Ranking: NR

The rematch with La Habra never came to fruition. It’s too bad since the first game between these two titans ended in a 3-3 tie.

3. Schurr (6-4-1)
Preseason Ranking: NR

The Spartans have played a tough schedule that has included Long Beach Cabrillo (10-1-1), Mater Dei (9-2-2) and Buena (8-3-3).

4. La Mirada (3-3-1)
Preseason Ranking: 2

The Mats lost a close contest to La Habra (1-0) and tied Cal-Hi earlier in the year 1-1. La Mirada did score a good Suburban League win over Mayfair, 2-0, and await Cerritos on Friday.

5. El Rancho 3-2
Preseason Ranking: 3

Maybe more than any other area team, El Rancho has had to do much subbing early due to the winter break, leaving coach Dominic Picon with little time to evaluate and improve his squad.

On the bubble:
Pioneer (3-1-2), La Serna (3-5-1)

Struggling:
Montebello (1-4), Santa Fe (1-5-2), Whittier Christian (2-8-1).